SubQ injections

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Jas anyone else out there seen another nurse inject insulin THROUGH A PATIENT'S CLOTHES?! I saw that today and was very taken aback. Do a lot of us nurses really skip the step of moving the patient's clothes? I've given many many injections over the years, and even though it's time consuming to have to help the patient move their sleeve or lift their shirt for a tummy shot, it's never crossed my mind to do what she did. I'm working in a mental hospital and iDK if she did it because the mental capacity of the patient (slow, confused) or just that she has some reason to think that's ok to do. Anyone else have thoughts on this? Thanks!!

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Nope. Should have removed the clothes. Insulin needles are tiny.

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That is horribly inappropriate. Did you speak up in the moment?

That should never happen, increased risk of infection, improper technique, that's just so obviously wrong. Anyone who does that or thinks it's ok shouldn't be nursing or caring for patients in any capacity, I don't say that lightly-some things in nursing are complicated or difficult or it's easy to see how someone might not have certain experience but that's just so obviously, basically wrong. Please report that.

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Specializes in ICU.

Was this an actual licensed nurse, or someone who was just trained to give shots?? WOW.

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Thank y'all for the comments. The woman who did it is a registered nurse and has been with the company for a long time. I didn't say anything about it to her or anyone else because it was my first day on the job. I'm certain she's been doing it this way for years So the next time I see her do it, I am definitely going to say something to her. I would not inject a family member or myself through clothes, without proper prepping with alcohol, etc, so I certainly wouldn't do it to a patient I think this nurse is lazy and uncaring. It scares me to think of how many others are out there like her!

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NO, No, No!!

Only thing I've seen in an emergency epi pen given this way.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I've seen a nurse give HERSELF an insulin injection through her clothing. It was in the lunch room. I remember thinking "Well, that's different."

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Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.

Maybe she was taught something different? Rather than confront her, which will put you on her radar, ask why as you have never seen this approach and are curious.

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On rare occasions, I give myself insulin through my shirt, but would never do on a patient.

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Specializes in PACU, ED.

Injecting through clothing is a great way to get a random inoculation of unclean material and unknown flora. I would avoid that.

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